Job Posting

College Possible | Saint Paul, MN
Salary Range: $66,700 - open

About College Possible
As one of the largest and most successful college access and success programs in the country, since 2000 College Possible has helped put more than 59,000 students from disinvested communities on the path to economic mobility via completion of a college degree. Its proven near-peer coaching model, delivered by recent college graduates serving as AmeriCorps members, provides high-touch interventions proven to help students navigate and overcome the most common barriers to college access, retention, and degree completion. Nationwide, College Possible students are three times more likely to earn a bachelor's degree within six years than their peers from similar backgrounds.

College Possible is a growing nonprofit coaching students from low-income backgrounds to and through college to break the cycle of poverty and empower the next generation of leaders. Our model has earned national recognition: the inaugural Evergreen National Education Award recognized our leadership in increasing access to and success in college for students from low-income backgrounds. It also earns top-of-field results: a Harvard study found that the program more than doubles a student's chance of enrolling in a four-year college, and our students are four times more likely to become college graduates than their low-income peers. College Possible has a budget of $33 million, more than 128 full-time employees and more than 321 AmeriCorps and VISTA service members. During the 2021-22 school year, we will reach an estimated 21,245 students in all 50 states, with the support of 169 partner high schools and 107 partner colleges.

College Possible is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and seeks to build a diverse workforce to create impact in partnership with the communities we serve. We welcome a diverse pool of qualified applicants. For each of its positions, College Possible is mindful about what best serves our students, and seeks to hire staff with relevant experience, skills and aptitude, and a commitment to the power of education. To learn more read our Diversity and Inclusion Plan.

Headquartered in Saint Paul, MN, College Possible operates regional sites in Chicago, IL; Milwaukee, WI; Omaha, NE; Philadelphia, PA; Portland, OR; and Seattle, WA; College Forward in Austin, TX; and has Catalyze partnerships in California, Iowa, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, and Tennessee. Learn more at CollegePossible.org.

Your Role as Major Gifts Officer
The Major Gifts Officer provides leadership and oversight for College Possible's (CP) major gifts strategies to ensure annual revenue targets, primarily for corporations and foundations, are met or exceeded. While current prospects are predominantly institutional, this position will play a role in CP's planned growth in individual major and leadership giving. The Gift Officer position is a key National Development team member responsible for the identification, prioritization and cultivation of current and prospective donors capable of gifts of $25,000+. This position requires both strategic vision and a hands-on approach with knowledge of all facets of development and a good working understanding of nonprofit best practices. The successful candidate will be a seasoned and persuasive writer, motivated to network socially and have a calling for building relationships with philanthropic corporations and foundations whose passion is education - with a special emphasis on access and equality.

Prospecting and Cultivation: Oversee prospecting and donor research for corporations and foundations to build a diverse and sustainable portfolio. Strategize and work with the Senior Director of Regional Development to implement cultivation techniques to inspire prospective partners to become major donors and grow the number of new major gift prospects qualified. Represent College Possible at events, meetings, and conferences both within and outside of the College Possible network. A successful Gifts Officer will have an executive presence and be confident presenting to c-suite individuals and large audiences.
Relationship Management and Stewardship: This position will successfully steward a robust portfolio of 150 donors or more, including developing and implementing an individual engagement plan for each donor. They will develop new relationships built on trust and integrity and continue to cultivate and grow existing relationships while improving donor retention through a meaningful stewardship strategy. Leverage Senior Vice President for External Relations, Senior Director of Regional Development and Site Development Directors in these efforts. Document and maintain clear and timely records and call reports to track contacts, donor giving, notes, and assist in the maintenance of an accurate donor database.
Strategic Planning and Analysis: Develop annual campaign strategy to scale corporate and foundation giving. Manage progress toward funding goals with the use of Raiser's Edge fundraising database. Assist the Senior Director of Regional Development with identification, prioritization, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of prospects for major gifts campaigns.

What You Bring
Education/Certifications/Licenses:

• Bachelor's degree required, Master's preferred.
• Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) designation a plus, but not required.

Related Work Experience:

• Three to five years' minimum successful fundraising experience in secondary or higher education.
• Demonstrated experience identifying and closing gifts of $25,000+ from institutional and individual donors.
• History of using data analysis and reporting to inform decisions as they relate to donor communications, improving annual fund and donor stewardship program.
• Previous experience implementing and managing a year-round, high-touch donor stewardship program.
• Experience with fundraising software and donor database software, such as Raiser's Edge and Salesforce.

Other Skills, Abilities and Requirements:

• Superb oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strategic thinker and problem-solver, able to work independently, and entrepreneurial; enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives.
• Travels as necessary locally, regionally and nationally to manage portfolio of prospects.
• Able to confidently write and present executive summaries to senior audiences on complicated topics, builds buy-in through communication, and handles sensitive situations with tact and empathy.
• Appreciation and understanding of the mission of College Possible and the ability to articulate organizational values internally and externally.
• High energy, enthusiastic, strong commitment to public service and social justice.
• Relationship builder with the flexibility and sensitivity to balance the perspectives of others.
• Sincere commitment to work collaboratively with all constituent groups, including staff, volunteers, donors, program participants and other supporters.
• Desire to work in a growing nonprofit organization, ability to adapt, creativity and commitment to excellence highly valued.

Computer/Software Skills:

• Strong computer skills, including demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and donor database software.
• Raiser's Edge experience strongly preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 15 pounds when needed.
• Office environment with limited travel
• Ability to stand and/or sit for a minimum of 7 hours a day.

What We Offer

• In addition to joining a committed, diverse, values-based organization, we offer:
• An opportunity for you to have a tremendous impact both internally and in the broader country.
• a competitive salary commensurate with experience
• excellent benefits including complete health, dental, life, short-term and long-term insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Encouraged sustainability through a generous paid time off program.
• Personalized professional development and growth opportunities.

To Join Our Growing College Possible Team Please apply at CollegePossible.org/careers Include a resume and cover letter.